The spotlight on Doria Ragland dimmed in the run-up to her daughter Meghan's marriage into the world's most famous family, after it was announced the responsibility of accompanying the former Suits actress down the aisle would be given to her father-in-law-to-be, rather than her mother.

It had been expected by some that Ms Ragland, an African-American fitness instructor from California, would take on the role vacated days earlier by Meghan's father, whose health issues left him unable to perform the duty.

He remained in the US.

But, in a service witnessed by more than 600 inside the chapel, thousands outside, and millions around the world, Ms Ragland was afforded her own private moment with her daughter.

Wearing a pale pistachio Oscar de la Renta dress, light hat and nose stud, Ms Ragland beamed alongside her daughter as their Rolls-Royce limousine weaved past the thronging and adoring crowds, down Long Walk and into the chapel itself.

From her front-row seat inside the service, near the bride's long-time friends Jessica Mulroney, Benita Litt and Genevieve Hillis, the proud mother could be seen to enjoy the passionate address by Chicagoan preacher Most Rev Bishop Michael Curry.

She smiled, nodded, and appeared to bite her lip slightly during the vows.

And, in a physical totem of her introduction into the Royal family, she accepted the outstretched hand of the father of the groom as they filed to witness the signing of the registers, before her daughter and new son-in-law were left to drink in the warm wishes of the many gathered in Windsor to witness the spectacle.

Australian Associated Press